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Executives from DMACC and the YMCA of Greater Des Moines announced plans Tuesday to explore building the new YMCA and student activities complex.

"We need a bigger, more modern facility to meet the growing needs of Ankeny," said YMCA CEO and President Vernon Delpesce. "We envision this state-of-the-art health and wellness center to serve many audiences. It will be a showcase facility."

The project was approved Monday night by the DMACC Board of Directors. The YMCA of Greater Des Moines Board of Directors will consider the project later in the summer.

The center would connect with buildings 4 and 5 on the campus and includes a food court, book store, student activity space and classrooms.

"This partnership with the YMCA of Greater Des Moines is a wonderful opportunity to pool our financial resources for the benefit of our students and Ankeny area residents. It's another example of what public -- private partnerships in Central Iowa can accomplish," said DMACC President Rob Denson.

Planners said the center will be a new focal point on the campus and would promote healthy lifestyles and showcase student center activities.

If approved, construction is expected to start in the Spring of 2015 with completion set for 16 to 24 months.